Life
11 Reasons Why You Should Throw A Derby Party This Year
With high stakes, and even bigger hats, a major derby is more than your average sporting event. It's a world of its very own.
Every year, thousands of spectators go down South to participate in the fun. The distance of the race might only be a little more than a mile (it’s 1.25, to be exact), but that only marks the beginning of the annual event. From garlands of roses to mint juleps, there are established traditions associated with the race that are just as important as the horses themselves.
But if you can’t be in the stands on the day of the big race, that doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the action. Throwing a derby party is a fun excuse to get together with your nearest and dearest, wear impractical headwear, and place bets on your winning pony. The big day is just around the corner, so to give you some inspiration, here are 11 things that you should be sure to incorporate in order to throw the best party your friends have ever seen.
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
Adorable Invitations
Every great party should begin with an amazing invite. If you’re going to have the kind of derby party that your friends remember for years to come, start off the right way - with an old-fashioned, sent-in-the-mail paper invite.
Image: Etsy/ SweetGreetsDesigns
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
Red Roses
There aren’t a lot of excuses to incorporate beautiful roses into your everyday life, but a derby pretty much requires you buy a fresh bouquet. If you’re looking for something a little more long-lasting, make a wreath using artificial blooms.
Image: She’s Kinda Crafty
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
Hats. Hats. Hats.
There are very few occasions that call for a truly fabulous hat, but your Derby party is definitely one of them. Take advantage of this opportunity and plan your party outfit around a wonderful, eye-catching topper.
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
Horses, Horses Everywhere
Sure, the focus might be on your killer headwear, but that doesn’t mean you have license to slack on the rest of your outfit. Now’s the time to pull out your other equestrian-themes pieces, whether its a horseshoe necklace from middle school or a dress with a racetrack print.
Image: Classy Girls Wear Pearls
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
Derby Menswear
Bow ties? Check. Seersucker? Check. Let’s face it - as awesome as derby womenswear is, the fellas at your party should bring their fashion A-game, too. This is your chance to see just how cute your beau can look in a paisley bow tie.
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
Mint Juleps
There’s nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold mint julep, and derby-goers agree: over 120,000 were consumed at last year’s big race. Impress your guests by whipping up this adorable cocktail – and don’t forget a fresh sprig of mint for garnish!
Image: Brent Hofacker/Fotolia; Recipe: Maker’s Mark.
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
Delicious, Delicious Meat
After all that Derby watching a julep drinking, your Derby party guests are going to need some sustenance to keep them going. Serving delicious pulled pork – prepared in your slow cooker – will keep your guests happy and you out of the kitchen.
Image and recipe: Back to Her Roots
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
The Details
Spruce up your bar cart with some themed bottle stoppers. They’ll look cute long after the race is won.
Images: Etsy/ CaprockStudio
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
Mason Jar Desserts
How adorable are these mini cobblers? Up your dessert game by investing in some mini mason jars. Not only will your derby party guests be charmed, but you’ll make serving dessert a whole lot easier than yourself.
Image and recipe: bake.love.give
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
Actually, Mason Jar Everything
Make sure everyone can keep track of their drinks by providing the cutest (and labeled!) glasses. An added bonus? They can keep these babies as party favors.
Image: Etsy / Vintage Blooming
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
Killer Photo Booth Props
Simply pick an area, set up a cute backdrop (try one of your favorite sheets) and provide these cute props. Your guests will have a blast taking selfies and getting silly before the horses even hit the track.
Image: Etsy/ PaperAndPancakes
This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.
